Speakers highlight significance of World Disabled Day

World Disabled Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. This was stated by Speaker Sindh Assembly, Nisar Ahmed Khoro while speaking at a seminar to mark the World Disabled Day, Saturday at the Institute of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (IPM&R). Murad Ali Shah, Finance Minister, Professor Masood Hameed Khan, Vice Chancellor-DUHS and Dr Nabeela Soomro, Director-IPM&R were also present on the occasion.
He said the day also seeks to increase awareness to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities by providing artificial limbs and in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. There is an urgent need to provide them not only rehabilitative care but also make changes at community level to help them live as independent members of society.
"We appreciate the efforts of Dow University who helped the disabled persons of Larkana to starts full and equal life within their communities by providing 2500 artificial limbs." He said health is that speciality, which needs more focus. "I am happy to hear the Dow University would soon start mobile van service to rural areas for rehabilitative work." On the occasion, he announced a grant of Rs 0.4 million to Dow University for their rehabilitative care work.
Murad Ali Shah sharing his views on the occasion said that there is need to create awareness of all the diseases including disability. He appreciated the efforts of IPM&R and assured full support of Sindh government in terms of financial, legislative and administrative work. There is need to promote awareness of the human rights of those with disabilities to lead a full and equal life within their communities. He stressed on ensuring preventive steps in order to stop the diseases initially.
Professor Masood Hameed Khan said no government alone can fund huge burden of diseases therefore there is need to start preventive strategy. Media role in this regard is very important. Dow University thanks the government of Sindh for sanctioning the projects of DUHS and for purchasing equipment.
Dr Nabeela Soomro in her address of welcome said it is the first-ever institute of its kind in Pakistan which provides comprehensive multidisciplinary rehabilitation services with facilities to help patients in cardiac rehab, neurological rehab, musculoskeletal rehab, paediatric rehab, speech and language rehab. Hence, patients of stroke, TIA, head & spinal injury, GB syndrome, neuropathy, polio, IHD, CCF, CABG, chronic arthritis, backache and frozen shoulder, etc, are being benefited.